It's just the pilot so far. They'll need to see that before they decide whether to proceed with a full season's episodes. So let's all hope the pilot will kick serious ass.

It should. David Benioff and Dan Weiss did a terrific job with the script. And yes, all of you can relax, it's very faithful. Dan and David will be the executive producers for the pilot and (we hope) the eventual series.

More details when I have 'em. The news is very fresh. HBO just issued their own press release, which should be up on their website soon, if it's not there already.

The program is based on George R.R. Martin’s bestselling series of novels "A Song of Fire & Ice" and executive produced by David Benioff ("Troy") and D.B. Weiss ("Halo"). The title “Game of Thrones” is from the first novel in the series.

If greenlit, “Thrones” would represent the rarest of TV genres: a full-fledged fantasy series.

Though broadcasters have embraced sci-fi-tinged shows in recent years following the success of ABC’s “Lost” and NBC’s “Heroes,” and supernatural themes have been given a spin by CW’s “Supernatural” and HBO’s own “True Blood,” high fantasy is nearly nonexistent in primetime TV history -- and “Thrones” is an unabashed member of the genre. The books have swords, dragons, magic, the works.

“Fantasy is the most successful genre in terms of feature films given the incredible popularity of ‘Lord of the Rings’ and Harry Potter movies,” Benioff said. “High fantasy has never been done on TV before and if anybody can do it, it’s HBO. They’ve taken tired genres and reinvented them -- mobsters in ‘The Sopranos’ and Westerns with ‘Deadwood.’”

The cost of producing a fantasy series is usually a big factor that deters networks. The producers note “Thrones” is written as a character drama and major battles often take place off stage.

“It’s not a story with a million orcs charging across the plains,” Weiss said. “The most expensive effects are creature effects and there’s not much of that.”

Martin plans seven books in the series. The producers intend for each season to span one novel.

But before the series can get on the air, the producers first have to slay a more formidable threat than any dragon: pilot competitors. HBO has 10 other pilots in contention for series orders. Though the network declines to project how many shows will receive an order since HBO doesn’t need to fill a specific number of time-periods like broadcasters, at least six are expected to get a pickup.

Also, the success of “True Blood” may work in “Thrones'” favor. HBO has always sought to defy any sort of specific genre branding for their network, emphasizing that each project is judged on its own merits. Yet given how the vampire drama continues to gain viewers, and how Showtime’s swords-and-monarchy historical drama “The Tudors” has performed strongly, it’s not unreasonable to believe the network may see “Thrones” as a good fit.

Previous fantasy titles on TV are few and far between. ABC’s “Pushing Daisies” might qualify as a member of the genre, though its fantastical elements are wrapped in a modern day crime procedural. ABC Family’s “Kyle XY” could fit. Some would consider the WB’s “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” fantasy, though supernatural drama is probably a more appropriate term. Former syndicated program “Xena Warrior Princess,” however, is firmly in the genre. NBC’s upcoming “Kings” also qualifies.

Some thoughts: I suspect a fair number of viewers are going to love this idea -- a high fantasy series with a grown-up budget and no content restrictions? Not even the hugely popular movie franchises cited by the producers have offered such a prospect, because no studio greenlights a fantasy budget without the promise of a PG-13 rating. Combined with "True Blood," this also suggests an interesting, AintItCoolNews-targeted direction for the network. Less edgy-PBS, more R-rated Comic Con.

jidar

11-12-2008 10:05 AM

I just read this news on Martins blog and I was coming to post it.

Lots of shows get to the pilot stage and then get turned down though so this is still no guarantee, but it's promising. This is very exciting... I can't wait to see this.

kaplin42

11-12-2008 10:24 AM

Can you guys give a brief synopsis of what a game of thrones is?

jidar

11-12-2008 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kaplin42
(Post 5212988)

Can you guys give a brief synopsis of what a game of thrones is?

A Game of Thrones is the first book in the fantasy series "A Song of Ice and Fire" by George RR Martin.
Many readers, myself included, consider this series to be the best fantasy works ever written (apologies to Tolkien). It's known for being gritty and realistic with not a whole lot of magic or fantastic stuff going on, and for being incredibly unpredictable. The real meat of the series is the political intrigue and inter personal drama, hence the name "A Game of Thrones"

Basileus777

11-12-2008 11:11 AM

So awesome. I've been a longtime GRRM fan and I was trying not to get my hopes up about this.

TrickyNicky

11-12-2008 11:26 AM

Great. Now finish the damn book already GRRM.

kaplin42

11-12-2008 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jidar
(Post 5213057)

A Game of Thrones is the first book in the fantasy series "A Song of Ice and Fire" by George RR Martin.
Many readers, myself included, consider this series to be the best fantasy works ever written (apologies to Tolkien). It's known for being gritty and realistic with not a whole lot of magic or fantastic stuff going on, and for being incredibly unpredictable. The real meat of the series is the political intrigue and inter personal drama, hence the name "A Game of Thrones"

Thanks man. Sounds right up my alley. Off to amazon I go.

TrickyNicky

11-12-2008 11:46 AM

Good luck getting sleep.

kaplin42

11-12-2008 02:34 PM

There are currently only three books right?

Delano

11-12-2008 02:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kaplin42
(Post 5213768)

There are currently only three books right?

Four published. Well really 3.5. The 'fourth' only contains half of the character perspectives.

For those that have read the series, which character chapters do you most enjoy reading?

Basileus777

11-12-2008 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Delano
(Post 5213809)

BTW, I'm kind of curious.

For those that have read the series, which character chapters do you most enjoy reading?

Tyrion is my favorite character.

Delano

11-12-2008 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Basileus777
(Post 5213868)

Tyrion is my favorite character.

I think that is a fairly common answer.

I like all of the Starks for some reason. Especially Arya.

Basileus777

11-12-2008 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Delano
(Post 5213879)

I think that is a fairly common answer.

I like all of the Starks for some reason. Especially Arya.

Arya and Sansa never interested me all that much, probably because I prefer the political side of the story. I didn't care for how Arya spent 2.5 books wanering around the countryside, though I like where Arya and Sansa's plots are heaing in AFFC.